15*2 
LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. 
not sanction. The same remark applies, more or less, to other departments of 
Zoology. 
We do not think, with our author (p. 122), that the abundant distribution of 
nerves in molluscous animals, sufficiently proves these animals to possess a con¬ 
siderable degree of sensibility, but rather the contrary; for besides ttie (so to 
speak) lymphatic nature of the brain in these animals, the very diffused character 
of the nerves that do exist, rather tends to point out an inferior degree of sensi¬ 
bility. On comparison of Mollusca with creatures somewhat above them in the 
scale, our remark will find ample confirmation. 
In the genus Aplysia a purple fluid is secreted under the free side of the dorsal 
plate, in a spongy tissue, by a gland connected with the cellular reservoir. This 
gland is supplied by a large branch of the glandular aorta, and sends out two veins 
to the left vena cava. The fluid has never undergone careful investigation. It is 
readily ejected in fresh water, and often stains the nets of unsuspecting fishermen 
to a considerable extent, especially when the animal is squeezed in the meshes. 
The third chapter descants on the uses of molluscous animals. This is a very 
engaging portion of the volume, especially to the gourmand; but space forbids us 
to enter upon its details. Here, how T ever, are laid forth the excellencies of various 
shell-fish well known to “the amateur,” in the shape of stews, soups, sauces, &c. &c.; 
the good qualities of some little creatures at present abandoned to the profanum 
vulgus ; and we learn how animals now unheeded by the epicure might, on trial, 
and with the assistance of the art of cookery, and other “ aids to digestion,” be 
found highly palatable and wholesome.—Dyes are likewise obtained from Mollusca 
—black, purple, red, &c. The brown tint obtained from the Cuttle-fish ( Sepia ) 
is familiar to every one. Pearls are furnished by the same class of animals, as 
likewise is a kind of thread used in the manufacture of garments. Dr. Fleming 
also includes among the “uses” the amusement afforded to collectors in procuring 
and preparing shells for the museum—and rightly, in our opinion. 
Here, then, we draw to a close. We are much pleased with the manner in 
which our author—a veteran in science—has performed his task. The illustra¬ 
tive wood-cuts will prove a considerable assistance to the student, though cer¬ 
tainly shells do not appear to advantage in this kind of engraving. 
LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. 
A new edition of Dr. Bevan’s Honey Bee has just appeared. Critical notices 
of this work, of Professer Powell’s masterly work, of Mr. Wilson’s Treatise on 
Insects , and a whole host of other new publications, received for review, are un¬ 
avoidably postponed. A desire to bestow more attention on some of these 
volumes, and a pressure of matter, will amply demonstrate the propriety of such 
a procedure. 
